‘Opening a Door to Asia’ Excursion
On Friday 29th July, the general Indonesian class of year 10 and select year 9 Indonesian students travelled to Murdoch University to attend the ‘Opening a Door to Asia’ event. This event gave us an insight into the opportunities and experiences we could take advantage of once we had finished our schooling and started a language course at University. This ranged from joining on-campus clubs devoted to the language, to scholarships to universities situated in other countries like Indonesia, Japan and China.
Students were divided into groups to participate in different cultural activities. After this, we were treated to an enjoyable Asian meal, and then met with native language ambassadors to improve our speaking skills. Attending with us were teachers Ibu Swailes and Pak Davis.
Terima kasih banyak, Ibu Swailes for organising this interesting excursion.
Written by Caylem Weeks (Year 10)
On the excursion to Murdoch University, we learnt about the interconnections between Asia and Australia and how we could use Asian language and cultural skills in future employment. We made Batik, traditional Indonesian fabric using wax and participated in a language practice session where we were able to practise practical language skills and learn from an Indonesian student ambassador. The day was well worthwhile. Everyone had fun! If it is run again in 2017, I would love to go!
Written by Amy Croker (Year 9)
Laskar Pelangi Vocal Workshop: Pak Emir and Ibu Kate
On Wednesday 3rd August, we were privileged to have some visitors come to the School in preparation for our performance with Michael Jakarimilena; Michael was a contestant on Indonesian Idol in 2004, at age 21 and came 5th. Having Pak Emir and Ibu Kate visit our school was a great experience because we became more in engaged the Indonesian culture and learned new songs in languages other than English. We thank Ibu Wimsett for organising this incursion and thank Ibu Kate, Pak Emir and Michael J for agreeing to visit our school and encouraging students to be confident and let out their inner passion for Music and the Indonesian Culture.
Kate Reitzenstein is the AISWA Languages Consultant and Emir Faizal is a local musician sponsored by the Westralian Indonesian Language Teachers Association to run music workshops
Photos courtesy of Kate Reitzenstein, AISWA
Written by Neisha Adma Weda and Mia Nicholson (Year 7)
Independence Day Consulate Excursion
On Wednesday 17th August, a group of our Year 8 and 11 students went to the Indonesian Consulate in Perth city to celebrate Indonesian Independence Day. Indonesian Independence Day commemorates the declaration of national independence from former Dutch colonial rulers on the 17th August 1945.
We attended a ceremony where we listened to the Consul-General lead a ceremony which included marching, the raising of the Indonesian flag and reading the proclamation of Indonesian Independence. It seemed in a way similar to Anzac Day, because it was a formal military service. The whole ceremony was spoken in Indonesian.
After the service we went to a Consulate building where we met many people and watched traditional song and dance performances. Indonesian people love food and photos! It was a bit overwhelming when every person I met wanted to take a photo with me. There was a big buffet where we ate lots of interesting Indonesian food that we had never tasted before. We braved the rain and took a bus to Tasik Indonesian restaurant where we ate even more food!
Overall, it was a brilliant day where we learned lots of new Indonesian phrases, had a really good chance to mix with Indonesian people and had an excellent experience.
Written by Nicole Bothma (Year 8)